A rare rigid tribute fan with ivory and tortoiseshell elements China, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period (1736–1796) 47 x 32 cm (defects, losses and restorations)   The polylobed fan with woven bamboo leaf, the borders of blonde tortoiseshell set with carved ivory inserts, stained and partially painted, depicting flowering branches with buds and openwork details in the form of a blossoming prunus. Centred by an elaborate polychrome ornamental medallion. The ivory handle finely engraved with a continuous landscape scene of pavilions, trees and figures within a naturalistic setting.   Compare with related examples in the Palace Museum, Beijing; see The Palace Museum Collection of Elite Carvings (Beijing, 2002), pp. 181–182, nos. 140–141. Fans of comparable form and materials were sold at Christie’s, New York, 15 September 2009, lot 2196; Sotheby’s, New York, 23 March 2010, lot 14; and Bonhams, San Francisco, 10 December 2012, lot 5174.

Estimate € 1,000 - 1,200